We’re not able to meet together as church family today and for the coming weeks. Although, by necessity, we have to stay apart physically, we’re standing together to love, support and encourage one another. So, in around 90 different homes, we’ll sing the same songs, pray the same prayers and look together at God’s word to us, as we look to Matthew 14:22-33. There are some activities for those aged 14 or under to do and a bible talk from Richard for us to listen to.
For each person in your home, you’ll need a copy of this service sheet, a bible, print outs of the children’s sheets (if needed) and your computer or tablet to click on the links below. Please note that the songs are being played from YouTube, if one of the annoying adverts pop up, click on the ‘skip ad’ button.
Today’s service sheet can be downloaded here
Today’s resources for E Kids can be found here
The thinking behind the song choices is explained in italics
WELCOME AND OPENING PRAYER
Watch the video of Ed’s welcome and intro by clicking here
In our opening song, we say to Jesus that our trust is in him and in his death for us.
SONG – listen by clicking here
Now why this fear and unbelief?
Has not the Father put to grief
his spotless Son for us?
And will the righteous Judge of men
condemn me for that debt of sin
now cancelled at the cross?
Jesus, all my trust is in your blood.
Jesus, you’ve rescued us
through your great love!
Complete atonement you have made,
and by your death have fully paid
the debt your people owed.
No wrath remains for us to face.
We’re sheltered by your saving grace
and sprinkled with your blood.
Jesus, all my trust is in your blood.
Jesus, you’ve rescued us
through your great love!
How sweet the sound of saving grace.
How sweet the sound of saving grace.
Christ died for me!
Be still, my soul, and know this peace;
the merits of your Great High Priest
have bought your liberty.
Rely then on his precious blood,
don’t fear your banishment from God
since Jesus sets you free.
Jesus, all my trust is in your blood.
Jesus, you’ve rescued us
through your great love!
How sweet the sound of saving grace.
How sweet the sound of saving grace.
Christ died for me!
Jesus, all my trust is in your blood.
Jesus, you’ve rescued us
through your great love!
BIBLE READING – Psalm 77:11-20
This Psalm praises God that he can do what no-one else can.
I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.’
Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
The waters saw you, God,
the waters saw you and writhed;
the very depths were convulsed.
The clouds poured down water,
the heavens resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth.
Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world;
the earth trembled and quaked.
Your path led through the sea,
your way through the mighty waters,
though your footprints were not seen.
In our next song, we encourage one another – how great is our God!
SONG – listen by clicking here
The splendour of the King clothed in majesty;
let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice.
He wraps Himself in light and darkness tries to hide
and trembles at His voice, and trembles at His voice.
How great is our God!
Sing with me – how great is our God!
And all will see how great, how great is our God!
And age to age He stands and time is in His hands;
Beginning and the End, Beginning and the End.
The Godhead, three in one; Father, Spirit, Son.
The Lion and the Lamb, the Lion and the Lamb.
How great is our God!
Sing with me – how great is our God!
And all will see how great, how great is our God!
Name above all names! You are worthy of our praise!
My heart will sing: how great is our God!
How great is our God!
Sing with me – how great is our God!
And all will see how great, how great is our God!
PRAYERS
Click here as Erica leads us in our prayers this morning.
In our next song we say to Jesus that we want to trust him for the whole of our lives.
SONG – listen by clicking here
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want.
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
his goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in you alone.
And I will trust in you alone,
for your endless mercy follows me,
your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
and He anoints my head with oil,
and my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
And I will trust in you alone.
(I will trust, I will trust in you)
And I will trust in you alone,
(I will trust, I will trust in you)
for your endless mercy follows me,
your goodness will lead me home.
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
for you are with me and your rod and staff
are the comfort I need to know.
And I will trust in you alone.
(I will trust, I will trust in you)
And I will trust in you alone,
(I will trust, I will trust in you)
for your endless mercy follows me,
your goodness will lead me home.
Watch the bible talk video for the reading and bible talk from Richard by clicking here
BIBLE READING
Matthew 14:22-33
14:22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
BIBLE TALK
The shadow of doubt
Talk outline:
1. Faith is looking to Jesus
2. Doubt is looking away from Jesus
3. Jesus is always gracious
In our closing song, we commit ourselves to trust Jesus, who planted his footsteps in the sea.
SONG – listen by clicking here
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform.
He plants His footsteps in the sea
and rides upon the storm.
Deep in His dark and hidden mines,
with never-failing skill,
He fashions all His bright designs
and works His sovereign will.
So God, we trust in You.
O God, we trust in You.
O fearful saints new courage take;
the clouds that you now dread
are big with mercy and will break
in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust Him for His grace.
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
So God, we trust in You.
O God, we trust in You.
When tears are great and comforts few
we hope in mercies ever new.
We trust in You.
God’s purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding every hour.
The bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flower.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
and scan His work in vain.
God is His own interpreter
and He will make it plain.
CLOSING PRAYER
Click here as Ed closes our service in prayer.
That’s the end of our service but do link up now with others from Emmanuel!
Some material in this service is © Used by permission CCL Licence # 1102690. The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.